Young adults need eight to ten hours of sleep each night, yet nearly half fail to get the sleep they need, and nearly a third have fallen asleep in school due to insufficient sleep. So many Americans-both teens and adults-lack quality sleep that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls sleep deprivation a public health epidemic. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to poor performance during the day and impacts stress levels, academic performance, and physical and mental health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleeping difficulties contribute to one-third of auto accidents. And, drowsy-driving can lead to fatalities.
Author and registered nurse, Connie Goldsmith presents a much needed scientific and informative approach to the topic of sleep, making the case for taking measures to get adequate and quality sleep each night to combat anxiety, depression, and stress. Running on Empty: Sleeplessness in American Teens provides readers with information on the why and tips for the how to sleep well.
‘A good night's sleep is vital for teens' mental and physical health.
The Centers for Disease Control views sleep disorders as a public health epidemic due to their broad societal impact, including difficulty focusing, struggles with mental health, and wide-ranging physical issues such as obesity, diabetes, and acne. As the author explains in a helpful analogy, sleep is like nutrition for the brain, as it regulates both hormones and the immune system. She rallies comprehensive evidence showing that chronic sleep deprivation is a critical and widespread issue for teens. Explaining the science of sleep, this work looks at factors affecting teens' lives, such as the increase in use of electronic devices that alter the brain chemistry that regulates sleep and the impact of early school start times. Disorders such as insomnia, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, night terrors, nightmares, and sleep apnea are also discussed. Supported by references to scientific research and quotes from experts and personalized with anecdotes about real teens and their sleep struggles and solutions, this work both serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of sleep and also discusses an array of strategies including lifestyle changes, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, meditation, and more. Lists, colorful graphics, and photographs break up the text and make this work engaging.
